Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Smoky Mountain region offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, including the exhilarating experiences of white water rafting and ziplining. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled ride through the rapids or a serene float down the river, the Smoky Mountains have something to satisfy every adventurer’s craving.
Smoky Mountain White Water Rafting: Navigating the Pigeon River
The Pigeon River, a renowned whitewater destination, is the centerpiece of Smoky Mountain rafting. Offering two distinct experiences, the Pigeon River caters to both thrill-seekers and families seeking a more relaxed journey.
Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Trip
For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Trip is the perfect choice. This exciting journey navigates Class III-IV rapids, providing a heart-pounding ride through the scenic Smoky Mountain landscape. The minimum age requirement for this trip is 8 years old or a minimum weight of 70 pounds.
Lower Pigeon River Scenic Float Trip
For a more serene and family-friendly experience, the Lower Pigeon River Scenic Float Trip offers a leisurely float down the river. This scenic journey is suitable for children as young as 3 years old, making it an ideal option for families with young adventurers.
Smoky Mountain Ziplining: Soaring Through the Treetops
Complementing the thrilling white water rafting, the Smoky Mountains also boast an array of ziplining opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the forests from a unique aerial perspective.
Combining Rafting and Ziplining
Many adventure outfitters in the Smoky Mountains offer packages that combine white water rafting and ziplining, providing visitors with the ultimate adrenaline-fueled day. For example, Five Rivers Adventures offers a combo package that includes an upper or lower rafting trip and 6 ziplines at Wahoo Ziplines.
Smoky Mountain Ziplining Providers
Several renowned adventure companies operate in the Smoky Mountain region, offering exceptional ziplining experiences. These include:
- Big Creek Expeditions: Offering guided rafting trips on the Pigeon River, as well as ziplining and horseback riding.
- Rafting in the Smokies: Providing white water rafting in Tennessee since 1978, with family-friendly rafting trips.
- Smoky Mountain Outdoors: Offering a combo package that includes white water rafting and a scenic canopy tour at CLIMB Works.
Minimum Age Requirements and Swimming Ability
When it comes to Smoky Mountain white water rafting, it’s important to note the minimum age requirements for each trip:
- Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Trip: Minimum age of 8 years old or a minimum weight of 70 pounds.
- Lower Pigeon River Scenic Float Trip: Children as young as 3 years old can participate.
Interestingly, no prior rafting experience or swimming ability is necessary for either the Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Trip or the Lower Pigeon River Scenic Float Trip. The experienced guides and safety equipment provided ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for adventurers of all skill levels.
Contact Information for Smoky Mountain Rafting and Ziplining
For those interested in planning their Smoky Mountain rafting and ziplining adventures, here are the contact details for some of the leading providers in the region:
- Big Creek Expeditions: 3671 Hartford Road, Hartford, TN 37753. Office hours: 8am-5pm daily. Phone: Not provided.
- Rafting in the Smokies: Phone: Not provided.
- Smoky Mountain Outdoors: Phone: 865-430-3838.
- Five Rivers Adventures: Phone: 888-204-8779.
Conclusion
The Smoky Mountains offer a thrilling and diverse range of outdoor adventures, with white water rafting and ziplining being two of the most popular and exhilarating experiences. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled ride through the rapids or a serene float down the river, the Smoky Mountain region has something to suit every adventurer’s taste. With a variety of outfitters and package options available, visitors can easily combine these two exciting activities for an unforgettable day in the Great Smoky Mountains.
References
- https://smokymountainziplines.com/blog/ziplines/whitewater-rafting-and-ziplining-extreme-duo.php
- https://www.bigcreekexpeditions.com
- https://raftinginthesmokies.com
- https://www.smokymountainrafting.com/climbworks-combo/
- https://fiveriversadventures.com/product/rafting-zipline-combo/